Unpaid time off is a type of leave from work that allows employees to take time off for personal or family reasons without pay. This type of leave is not covered by an employer's paid time off (PTO) policy and is typically taken for reasons such as personal illness, family emergencies, or personal or family events.

Unpaid time off may be taken in accordance with an employer's leave policy, which may outline the conditions under which an employee may take time off, the length of time an employee may take, and the documentation that must be provided by the employee.

Employers may choose to offer unpaid time off as a benefit to employees, but they are not required to do so by law. In some cases, employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits during their time off if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Employers can benefit from offering unpaid time off by providing employees with a sense of flexibility and support, improving employee morale and satisfaction, and avoiding burnout by allowing employees to take time off when needed. However, allowing employees to take time off without pay can also have a financial impact on the company and can be challenging for businesses with tight staffing or budget constraints.